Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

To keep your heart working properly, take this medicine exactly as directed even though you may feel well. Do not take more of it than your doctor ordered and do not miss any doses. Take the medicine at the same time each day. This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood.

When you are taking this medicine, it is very important that you get the exact amount of medicine that you need. The dose of digoxin will be different for different patients. Your doctor will determine the proper dose of digoxin for you. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.

Measure the oral solution correctly using the marked measuring dropper that comes with the package or an oral syringe. Do not use teaspoons and tablespoons that are used for serving and eating food. They do not measure exact amounts.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For heart failure or atrial fibrillation:
    • For oral dosage form (solution):
      • Adults, teenagers, and children 10 years of age and older—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. At first, the dose is usually 10 to 15 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the maintenance dose is usually 3 to 4.5 mcg per kg of body weight per day.
      • Children 5 to 10 years of age—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. At first, the dose is usually 20 to 35 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the maintenance dose is usually 5.6 to 11.3 mcg per kg of body weight per day.
      • Children 2 to 5 years of age—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. At first, the dose is usually 30 to 45 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the maintenance dose is usually 9.4 to 13.1 mcg per kg of body weight per day.
      • Infants 1 month to 24 months of age—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. At first, the dose is usually 35 to 60 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the maintenance dose is usually 11.3 to 18.8 mcg per kg of body weight per day.
      • Full-term babies—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. At first, the dose is usually 25 to 35 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the maintenance dose is usually 7.5 to 11.3 mcg per kg of body weight per day.
      • Premature babies—Dose is based on age, body weight, and medical condition and must be determined by your doctor. At first, the dose is usually 20 to 30 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the maintenance dose is usually 4.7 to 7.8 mcg per kg of body weight per day.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—Your doctor will give your first few doses intravenously (rapid digitalization) and then, you'll be switched to oral tablets for maintenance therapy. A maintenance dose of 0.125 to 0.5 milligram (mg) once a day will be given depending on your body weight and medical condition.
      • Teenagers and children older than 10 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, and you remember it within 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you have any questions about this or if you miss doses for 2 or more days in a row, check with your doctor.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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